Page 13 - GP Fall 2024

Exploring Laser Dentistry:
A Comprehensive Guide for General Dentists

Author: Natalia Elson, DDS

Background: data transmission, optical networking, and do not emit hazardous radiation levels be-
Dentistry has witnessed remarkable ad- developing advanced sensing and imaging cause the laser is enclosed and inaccessible
vancements in recent years by integrating systems. Dentistry embraced laser technol- during operation or because the emission is
laser technology into various procedures. ogy in the 1980s, primarily for soft tissue low-power and not likely to cause harm.
From soft tissue treatments to hard tissue procedures.
modifications, lasers have revolutionized Class 2: These lasers emit visible radiation
how dentists approach oral care. For gen- CO2 and Nd: YAG lasers were among the in the wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm.
eral dentists, understanding the basics of first used in dental practice. Initially, lasers They are considered safe for accidental ex-
laser dentistry and its applications is be- were utilized for procedures such as gin- posure, as the human blink reflex is usually
coming increasingly essential. This article givectomy, frenectomy, and periodontal sufficient to protect the eye. However, in-
aims to provide a comprehensive overview treatment, offering advantages such as re- tentional staring into the beam should still
of lasers in dentistry, highlighting key con- duced bleeding and improved patient com- be avoided.
cepts and applications relevant to general fort. The 21st century witnessed significant
dental practice. advancements in laser technology, leading Class 3R: Formerly known as Class IIIa,
to the development of diode, erbium, and these low-powered lasers emit visible and
The concept of lasers was first proposed other specialized dental lasers. These lasers near-infrared radiation. They are consid-
by physicist Albert Einstein in 1917, but expanded the scope of applications in den- ered safe under normal operating condi-
it wasn’t until 1960 that the first working tistry to include hard tissue procedures like tions but may pose a hazard if viewed di-
laser was developed by physicist Theodore cavity preparation, caries removal, and root rectly for extended periods.
H. Maiman. 1 canal disinfection. Laser dentistry has
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become an integral part of modern dental Class 3B: These lasers emit higher power
This breakthrough paved the way for sig- practice, with an increasing number of gen- levels than Class 3R lasers and can pose a
nificant advancements in various scientific eral dentists incorporating lasers into their significant risk of eye injury if viewed di-
fields, including physics, chemistry, and clinical protocols. rectly. They are also capable of causing skin
materials science. In the 1960s, lasers be- burns and fires. Proper safety precautions,
gan to find applications in medicine, partic- The versatility, precision, and minimally including the use of protective eyewear, are
ularly in ophthalmology. Argon lasers were invasive nature of laser procedures have necessary when operating Class 3B lasers.
used for retinal photocoagulation, revolu- contributed to their widespread adoption
tionizing the treatment of diabetic retinop- and acceptance among dental professionals Class 4: These high-power lasers can cause
athy and other eye conditions. CO2 lasers and patients alike. By tracing the evolution severe eye and skin injuries and ignite
were also introduced during this period and of lasers from their inception to their inte- flammable materials. They require strict
found useful in surgical procedures due to gration into dentistry, it becomes evident safety measures, including designated la-
their ability to precisely cut and coagulate how this transformative technology has ser-controlled areas, protective eyewear,
tissues. During the 1970s and 1980s, lasers revolutionized various fields, including and operator training.
became widely utilized in dermatology for medicine, manufacturing, and communi-
various skin treatments. The development cation. 2. By Application in Dentistry
of ruby lasers and, later, the Q-switched In dentistry, lasers have a wide range of ap-
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lasers enabled the effective removal of tat- In dentistry, lasers continue to push the plications, including:
toos, birthmarks, and pigmented lesions. boundaries of what is possible, offering
Continuous-wave lasers, such as argon and new avenues for improved patient care and Soft Tissue Procedures: Lasers are com-
monly used for procedures such as gingi-
CO2, were also employed for skin resur- treatment outcomes. 6 vectomy, frenectomy, crown lengthening,
facing and scar revision procedures.
Laser Classifications: and treatment of periodontal disease. They
Lasers have been extensively adopted in There are different classifications of lasers: offer advantages such as reduced bleed-
manufacturing and industrial applications ing, enhanced precision, and faster healing
for cutting, welding, engraving, and marking 1. By ANSI times compared to traditional techniques.
materials. High-power lasers, including fiber The American National Standards Insti- Hard Tissue Modifications: Lasers can be
lasers and Nd: YAG lasers are used in auto- tute (ANSI) categorizes lasers into several used for cavity preparation, caries removal,
motive, electronics, and aerospace industries classes based on their potential hazards to root canal disinfection, and dental implant
for precision machining and fabrication. 2,3 human health and safety. 7
procedures. Erbium lasers, particularly,
The development of semiconductor lasers These classes range from Class 1 to Class are well-suited for these applications due
in the 1980s revolutionized telecommuni- 4, with increasing hazards associated with to their ability to interact effectively with
cations and paved the way for the wide- higher classes: dental hard tissues.
spread use of fiber-optic communication
systems. Laser technology is crucial in Class 1: These lasers are considered safe Biostimulation: Low-level laser therapy
under all conditions of normal use. They (LLLT) or photobiomodulation is utilized
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